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FSU-Florida a battle for recruits as well as bragging rights

By Jason Shoot | News Herald Writer

Published: Friday, November 29, 2013 at 03:30 PM.

Wide receiver Travis Rudolph (6-0, 189) led Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach to the Region 4-3A finals, and he has already visited FSU, along with Ohio State, Tennessee and Auburn. He has a visit to Alabama planned for December, but Florida and Miami are still pursuing him vigorously.

FSU has two reasons to like its chances of landing Cook or Rudolph ahead of Florida: Jameis Winston's emergence as a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, and Jimbo Fisher's status as a well-entrenched coach in Tallahassee. The Gators' struggles at quarterback this season are well-documented, and coach Will Muschamp is on the hot seat in Gainesville as the Gators are guaranteed a losing season and will miss a bowl game this year for the first time since 1990.

The Seminoles have received verbal commitments from 24 players total, nine of whom are ranked among ESPN.com's top 300 and eight who are ranked among the top 10 players at their position nationwide on Rivals.com.

Linebackers Kain Daub, Delvin Purifoy and Jacob Pugh highlight FSU's recruiting efforts on the defensive side of the ball, as do defensive tackle Dexter Wideman and safety Trey Marshall. FSU has attracted quality depth on offense, and Corey Martinez and Alex Eberle are interior offensive linemen who likely will see playing time sooner rather than later.

Florida was ravaged by injuries this season, and Muschamp is desperate to restock a roster that had fewer than 60 scholarship players available by season's end. Though the Gators have received only 15 verbals so far, ESPN.com ranks nine of those players among its top 300.

Quarterback Will Grier (6-2, 177) appears to be locked in as a Gator recruit, although that may hinge on whether Muschamp remains the team's head coach. Grier is a dual-threat quarterback ranked second among all signal-callers nationwide by Rivals.com. Wide receiver Ermon Lane (6-2, 172) is an in-state prospect from Homestead who could add much-needed playmaking ability for UF.

On defense, Chris Lammons (5-9, 168) and J.C. Jackson (5-10, 175) are projected to play at cornerback. Defensive tackle Khairi Clark (6-2, 325) is the kind of athletic space eater that Muschamp prefers in the middle of the defensive line.

Thanksgiving has passed and customers are playing tug-of-war with the last available items on the shelf today in the nation's busiest shopping day of the year.

Sure, it remains the time of year to take stock of things for which you are thankful, but the football programs at Florida State and Florida are no less competitive than the most impassioned shopper when it comes to collecting the goods they most want – the best high school players obtainable.

The two teams are set to square off Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at 11 a.m. CST in a game that will be televised on ESPN. The second-ranked Seminoles (11-0) are attempting the clear the first of two obstacles standing in the path of a national championship bid. UF is (4-7) trying to salvage a victory against its biggest in-state rival and end a thoroughly disappointing season on a high note.

The year-round competition for recruits between the two teams reaches its apex today. Players are not allowed to sign letters of intent until February 5, 2014, and the verbal commitments many players have made hold as much weight as a bucket riddled with bullet holes at the end of a firing range.

As it stands today, however, FSU and UF appear to be on track to reload their programs with lucrative crops of prospects. The Seminoles' 2014 recruiting class currently is ranked sixth by ESPN.com and seventh by Rivals.com. The Gators are close behind at 10th and 15th on the two sites, respectively.

Teams nationwide will be juggling positions in advance of national signing day, and both teams would like to present their best case to prospective recruits on the football field Saturday.

Dalvin Cook, a 5-foot-11 tailback who has rushed for over 1,300 yards and led Miami Central to the Region 4-6A finals, has verbally committed to Florida but recently told 247Sports.com that FSU is in the lead to acquire his services. Cook, an Under Armour All-American, reportedly has made official visits to FSU, Arkansas and Texas with trips remaining to Florida and Miami.

Wide receiver Travis Rudolph (6-0, 189) led Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach to the Region 4-3A finals, and he has already visited FSU, along with Ohio State, Tennessee and Auburn. He has a visit to Alabama planned for December, but Florida and Miami are still pursuing him vigorously.

FSU has two reasons to like its chances of landing Cook or Rudolph ahead of Florida: Jameis Winston's emergence as a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, and Jimbo Fisher's status as a well-entrenched coach in Tallahassee. The Gators' struggles at quarterback this season are well-documented, and coach Will Muschamp is on the hot seat in Gainesville as the Gators are guaranteed a losing season and will miss a bowl game this year for the first time since 1990.

The Seminoles have received verbal commitments from 24 players total, nine of whom are ranked among ESPN.com's top 300 and eight who are ranked among the top 10 players at their position nationwide on Rivals.com.

Linebackers Kain Daub, Delvin Purifoy and Jacob Pugh highlight FSU's recruiting efforts on the defensive side of the ball, as do defensive tackle Dexter Wideman and safety Trey Marshall. FSU has attracted quality depth on offense, and Corey Martinez and Alex Eberle are interior offensive linemen who likely will see playing time sooner rather than later.

Florida was ravaged by injuries this season, and Muschamp is desperate to restock a roster that had fewer than 60 scholarship players available by season's end. Though the Gators have received only 15 verbals so far, ESPN.com ranks nine of those players among its top 300.

Quarterback Will Grier (6-2, 177) appears to be locked in as a Gator recruit, although that may hinge on whether Muschamp remains the team's head coach. Grier is a dual-threat quarterback ranked second among all signal-callers nationwide by Rivals.com. Wide receiver Ermon Lane (6-2, 172) is an in-state prospect from Homestead who could add much-needed playmaking ability for UF.

On defense, Chris Lammons (5-9, 168) and J.C. Jackson (5-10, 175) are projected to play at cornerback. Defensive tackle Khairi Clark (6-2, 325) is the kind of athletic space eater that Muschamp prefers in the middle of the defensive line.

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